The Ballroom Dance Club is offered to any Seminole student that is interested in learning anything about dance, from the simple choreography of moving one’s feet to the complicated spins and fancy foot work of an elegant dancer.

Founder and Spanish teacher Melody Sweigert said “ballroom includes waltz, foxtrot, tango…rumba, salsa, etc.” The beginning of the year is the best time to sign up, though a student can join at any time. The great thing is that no prior knowledge is required. “It takes a little time to develop some skill, but it’s well worth it,” said Sweigert.

On Tuesdays the club meets outside the cafeteria after school, where they meet with their instructor for the day, Mary Ladish. Ladish has been a professional instructor for over more than 20 years. Her passion motivated her to become a dancer and then a teacher.

Club members begin with simple steps and advance as the hours progress. After Ladish brings them inside, they immediately begin to go over routines, starting with the basics for newcomers. The group goes at a pace that everyone is comfortable with so everyone can catch on and begin learning intermediate routines.

“I have always tried to give people the gifts that are hidden in the pursuit and experience of dance,” said Ladish. She was a professional competitor, champion and finalist in the American Smooth and International Standard divisions.

Junior Kyle Mueller, one of the co-Vice Presidents of the club, joined his freshman year, “I think it’s a lot of fun. I’ve learned about perseverance, determination and overcoming the odds.”

On Thursdays the club has a different instructor, Richard Lamberty because he is the Formation Team instructor and the club makes up the Formation Team. He is a three time U.S. Men’s Standard Champion and a three time Men’s Starboard World Silver Medalist. According to a post from NASSPDA, he is also a member the National Dance Council of America and the US Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. With his expertise Lamberty comes to Seminole sharing his knowledge to help the dancers learn more than what they already know. Although Lamberty is strict, he does motivate students.

Senior Genesis Marie Buendia has been a part of the club since her freshman year, and is now the secretary and communications officer. “I went into it thinking I wouldn’t be as dedicated as I am now,” said Buendia. “The Formation Team brought people together, and I like that.”

Junior Jay Bulsara joined the club his freshman year, and since then has moved up to be one of the co-Vice Presidents. “I like to dance and the people in the club,” said Bulsara. “I like dances like Viennese Waltz and Argentine Tango because they have very challenging and intricate steps which I love to learn. I’ve gone to one competition and won first place for Rumba.”

To join is quite simple: show up after school near the cafeteria on Tuesdays for the beginner classes. Being a part of the club is no extra charge, just come and start learning to dance.